Etymed
anorectal abscess
Definition
A localized collection of pus in the tissues surrounding the anus and rectum
Clinical context
A 32-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe perianal pain that has worsened over the past 24 hours. He describes the pain as throbbing and constant, with associated fever and difficulty sitting. On examination, there is a tender, fluctuant mass just outside the anal verge with marked erythema. He has no history of trauma or recent surgery.
Mnemonic
ANORECTAL abscess - Always Notice Red, Tender Area - Look for pus collection near anal opening
These morphemes also unlock…
- an — without; not
- orect/o — anus; rectum
- alve/o — hollow; small cavity
- -al — pertaining to
- -um — neuter suffix
- -alveolar — resembling a cavity
- -alveolus — small cavity
- -alveolitis — inflammation of small cavities
- -alveoloplasty — surgical repair of small cavities
- -alveolotomy — incision of small cavities
- -alveolus — small cavity
- -alveolar — pertaining to small cavities
- -alveolitis — inflammation of small cavities
- -alveoloplasty — surgical repair of small cavities
- -alveolotomy — incision of small cavities
- abscess — a swelling containing pus